Gray stressed that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is under real pressure to get the Reds off to a good start in the Premier League, as they look to re-find the form, which saw them nearly win the Premier League title two years ago.

There has been a little adversity behind the scenes of the Anfield club, as Rodgers has been forced to change key personnel with a key player in Raheem Sterling who could have left the club before the end of the transfer window.

“It was huge. I’m not sure what the connection was between Brendan and Sean – I’m not sure who chose Sean – Brendan’s got a tough, tough time this year and he’s under pressure right from the off – That’s the one worry for it all with me for Liverpool,” Gray told talkSPORT.

Good start could be difficult

A good start is important for Liverpool in the same way a good start is important for any Premier League club.

However, Liverpool’s opening fixtures look extremely difficult, as they look to get into a good early position in and around the top of the table.

Liverpool’s away fixtures over the first seven games have been well documented in terms of their difficulty, but while it’s a challenge, it’s also an opportunity for the club to lay down a marker and show their intent ahead of a long season.

Rodgers is under pressure for the security of his own job but any Liverpool manager is always going to be under pressure given the size and history of the club.

Lewis Doe

Lewis Doe is a freelance writer and editor who seeks to bring you the biggest, smallest and most interesting stories from the football world. Lewis has previously written for some of the biggest football news and opinion sites in the world including FootballFanCast and Goal.com International. Lewis is also experienced writing in the betting industry and aims to deliver his stories with up to date factual and statistical information. He hopes to sum up stories for the site and provide an angle on the issue moving forward.Lewis is HITC Sport's La Liga correspondent.